Shrimp Salad

Shrimp salad is a legendary Southern dish with succulent shrimp and a creamy, herbaceous, lemony dressing.

A typical shrimp salad is fresh and juicy, and its creamy, mild dressing counterbalances the delicate sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering it. In addition to serving it on lettuce leaves and adding some zest and juice from lemons, we share some of our other favorite ways to enjoy Southern shrimp salad.

Why Do Southerners Love Shrimp Salad?

A good recipe for shrimp salad is just as essential to Southerners as cornbread or gravy. This is because a flawlessly prepared shrimp salad can be used on almost every occasion. What about a last-minute lunch with a friend? Serve fruit salad or fresh salad beside shrimp salad. Have a gaming night with some of your neighbors? Pull out the croissants or hot dog buns for a quick shrimp salad roll.

Shrimp salad, of course, is also a fast method to instantly return to the beach, where you may find an abundance of fresh shrimp and feel the sun beating down on you as you eat succulent shrimp after succulent shrimp and wash them down with a frothy beer.

Ingredients for Shrimp Salad

The fact that Shrimp Salad is quite simple to prepare with simple ingredients is another wonderful thing about it. Apart from high-quality shrimp, the majority of items are stored in your pantry or refrigerator:

Shrimp: To begin this recipe, use premium shrimp. It’s fantastic if you live by the water! You’re aware of what to get. Ensure the shrimp is fresh and never frozen if stuck on land. If unsure, get frozen shrimp and let it thaw in the refrigerator for the entire night before assembling the salad. The majority of frozen shrimp are frozen instantly after emerging from the sea.

• Mayonnaise: A salad would only be complete in the South with it.
• Creole mustard: This condiment gives the meal just the proper amount of brightness and tang without turning it into a sour or vinegary mess.
• Dill: A little lemony, grassy taste is added with fresh dill. If all you have is dried dill, then, by all means,, use it. Cut back because the potency of dried herbs is higher.
• Lemon: To add color to the dressing, squeeze in lemon juice and zest. Compared to the one-note juice, the zest has a more rounded flavor, making it delightful.
• Celery: Use celery chunks to contrast and add some crunch.
• Scallions add a crisp bite of onion and freshness to the dish.
• Bibb lettuce: If lettuce wraps are not your style, we have some other ways for serving shrimp salad below. We’re wrapping this salad in them for a portable lunch or dinner.

How To Make Shrimp Salad

It’s quite simple to make shrimp salad at home. Obey the comprehensive recipe located at the bottom of the page. For present, the following is a synopsis:

• Sauté the shrimp. Shrimp should be boiled until just done; at this point, they should be promptly submerged in an ice bath to halt the cooking steps and cool down. Once the shrimp has completely cooled,remove each piece from the ice water and pat dry.
• Make the dressing: by combining the mustard, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, pepper, and salt with the mayonnaise. Leave the shrimp alone as it cooks and cools.
• Dress the shrimp: Toss the shrimp in the dressing and celery, tossing to coat.
• Ready to serve: Scoop up the shrimp salad and sprinkle some chives on top, whether eating it on a croissant or in lettuce cups.

Ways To Serve Shrimp Salad

Serve shrimp salad on lettuce leaves or over a bed for a traditional salad; this is a light and refreshing way to present the dish. But if you want even more inspiration, think about these:

• inside tortilla wrappers
• in between sandwich bread pieces
• within a croissant
• on a piece of bread
• paired with crackers
• within a slider bun
• Use a hamburger bun for a quick roll of shrimp salad.

How To Store Shrimp Salad

Although shrimp salad is best served immediately, leftovers can be refrigerated later. Remember to follow these steps:

• If there is any shrimp salad left over after two hours, store it in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Shrimp salad is kept for two to three days in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container.

More Shrimp Recipes

Do you want to prepare shrimp in more ways? Examine these concepts: 

• Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos
• Bloody Mary Poached Shrimp
• Classic Shrimp And Grits

Ingredients

• Two qt. water
• 1 Tbsp. Plus 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• Two lb. large peeled, deveined raw shrimp
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. Creole mustard
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill fronds
• Four tsp. grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• Four celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
• Two large (1 oz. total) scallions, chopped (1/4 cup)
• Bibb lettuce or butter lettuce, to serve (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Ready to boil the shrimp?

Pour one spoonful of salt into a large saucepan of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Pour enough cold water into a big bowl to cover the ice halfway so that the ice floats.

Step 2

Cook shrimp:

After adding the shrimp to the boiling water, reduce the heat, cover, and wait five minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, place the shrimp in the ice water and wait ten minutes. After draining, pat dry.

If desired, coarsely cut the shrimp.

Step 3

Make Dressing

In a large bowl, add mayonnaise, remaining one teaspoon salt, pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and Creole mustard. Stir to incorporate.

Step 4

Combine shrimp and dressing:

Mix the scallions, celery, and shrimp with the mayonnaise mixture and keep chilled until serving.

Step 5

Serve:

If using, divide the shrimp mixture evenly among the lettuce leaves and place them on a platter or separate salad plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is shrimp salad prepared?

A classic shrimp salad consists of chilled, fresh shrimp paired with a creamy dressing that typically includes Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, herbs, salt, pepper, and celery.

How much time does shrimp salad last?

Although shrimp salad is best served immediately, it can be kept in the refrigerator for two to three days in an airtight container. Don’t freeze salad with shrimp. It won’t defrost properly, and the dressing will probably come off.

How about shrimp salad?

Shrimp salad makes a delicious light lunch or appetizer on its own. However, it can also be served with other luncheon-style recipes, such as cucumber salad, citrus and radishes salad, and fruit salad.